PAFA Cancels Fine Arts Degree Programs Amid Financial Struggles

The decision affects current students and faculty, but the institution plans to restore its certificate program and continue its museum and K-12 arts programs.

• The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) has announced the cancellation of its Bachelor’s and Masters of Fine Arts programs at the end of the 2024-25 school year, causing frustration and confusion among students and faculty.
• Juniors, seniors, and MFA students expecting to graduate from PAFA in 2024 or 2025 will still be able to do so, while freshmen and sophomores will have to enroll elsewhere at the end of the current academic year.
• PAFA has arranged for the 37 affected students to receive 'personalized transfer plans' to nearby institutions, including the University of the Arts, Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Moore College of Art & Design, Arcadia University, and Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.
• The decision to cancel the degree programs comes as PAFA faces a $3 million annual deficit, with declining student enrollment and increasing costs.
• Despite the cancellation of the degree programs, PAFA plans to restore its comprehensive three- or four-year certificate program this fall and will continue to operate its museum and K-12 arts programs.

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